Author Topic: golden rod cordage?  (Read 3038 times)

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Offline Newindian

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golden rod cordage?
« on: July 01, 2013, 02:37:07 am »
When a friend found out I was making natural fiber strings, he recommended I look into golden rod the stuff is common here, so far I haven't found much on the internet. Any help is appreciated .
I like free stuff.

Offline Olanigw (Pekane)

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Re: golden rod cordage?
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2013, 09:35:05 am »
I've never been able to.
"Good enough" is the enemy of great
PN501018

Offline stickbender

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Re: golden rod cordage?
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2013, 11:59:54 pm »

It is quite common down here in Fl.  Never knew it had any fibers worthwhile.
I know that Eddison, had made a synthetic rubber out of the sap, but it fizzled out as being viable, as the war was over by then. 

                                                       Wayne

Offline Pat B

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Re: golden rod cordage?
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2013, 12:13:25 am »
Mature goldenrod stems make good survival arrows, similar to horseweed. I've never heard of it used for cordage.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Newindian

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Re: golden rod cordage?
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2013, 12:44:23 am »
Looks like I'll be the first to take a look at it
I like free stuff.

Offline Pat B

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Re: golden rod cordage?
« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2013, 12:16:10 am »
I'd wait until late summer, after it has bloomed but before frost.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline madcrow

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Re: golden rod cordage?
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2013, 06:45:16 pm »
It will make cordage.  You will probably have better luck retting it, instead of the usual dry and breaking apart.  Leave a few arrow shaft sized stalks and cut them after a couple of frosts.  Fairly easy to straighten and very light.